Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The rear wheels are locking when the driver is slowing down to stop. This occurs when the weather is cold. The owner was informed by a mechanic that the rear brake assembly was completely rusted. The owner contacted the manufacturer, but received no assistance. There was a bad noise when the vehicle was started and the vehicle would hesitate when trying to increase in speed along with hard shifting. Recall campaign # 00V075000.
When shifting gears lever jams. Also, can hear a grinding noise when shifting. Vehicle is hard to shift as though something is ready to snap. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated that cable connector to shift was tangled. Wire was exposed, and had something to do with linkage and transmission. Please add VIN.
Car was parked in motel parking lot. I entered car at 6:55 am to move car by our room to pickup bags. I had my foot on brake, started engine and shifted into reverse. The car jumped rearward at a high speed. I had not put my foot on the gas pedal. The car hit a telephone pole (about 8 feet behind were the car was parked). My body went rearward when the car hit the pole. At this time, I had my hand on the shifter (floormount) and it pulled the car into forward gear. The car shot forward and slammed into a brick column directly infront of were I was parked. I tried to turn off ignition and hit the brake but I couldn't effect the forward motion. I saw the car hit the pole and my forehead hit the steering wheel. The airbags did not deploy. I was told at the hospital that you need to be going 35mph or faster for them to deploy. Don't know about that. I have never had any accidents before. …
(1) start car, drive for 10-20 minutes. (2) every time within 10-20 minutes, "o/d off" blinks. (3) brought to 2 service centers, both put car on computer, said "tcc solenoid" problem, needed new solenoid. I replaced solenoid ($300), drove, failure repeated.
Took my car in October 15, 2003.jim dobson Ford in winamac to check my car out and they told me it wasn't an electrical problem with my transmission it was hydrolic or the second speed gear went out. I told them to go ahead and rebuild the transmission. They pulled the transmission out on the 16th. Called them on the 17th. They told me that the mechanic called off sick and that they did not have a chance to open the transmission up to find out exactly what is wrong with it. Mechanic called of again on the 18th and the 20th. Asked them about a loaner car. They said they don't have loaner cars . Doesn't my transmission look pretty on a pedestal!
I have had shifting problems with the automatic transmissions on a 1998 Mercury Mystique. From my research this transmission made by a joint venture between Mazda and Ford has had major problmes. I have had it to the local Ford dealer seven times to get it fixed. They thought it was all electrical but now tell me they need to pull the transmission and check three things inside it. The car has been undriveable for three months through this process. I have already spent $650.00 and now the real expensed process starts.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the overdrive activated on and off. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, where a certified mechanic determined that either the inside or outside sensor of the automatic transmission was faulty. There was a NHTSA recall #98V233000, regarding the powertrain: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Also, the clock light on the insrument panel went permanently out. The rear brake light located on top of the rear window would illuminate in a distorted pattern. The rear brake lights was made up of 9 Mini lights, and 3 lights would light up while braking. On other occasions, 4 or 5 lights would illuminate. There was a NHTSA recall #99V103000 regarding exterior lighting: headlights: switch. …
The vehicle is not shifting into the proper gears. It just started happening one day. It has to be in drive 2 at the start of driving and when it gets to a certain point it must be shifted into drive. This occurs everytime I drive. Nothing has been done as of yet to repair the problem.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
NHTSA investigations
Incorrect gear indication
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Mystique years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (53), 1998 (38), 1996 (30) and 1997 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Mercury Mystique transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 98V-233 (floor shift, Sep 18, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Mystique transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (89 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl) (10).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.